During a BBL, how can a fat embolism be prevented?

There was an article that came out last summer in the white journal (main journal for plastic surgery). The article discussed fat embolism with BBL and how it is more common in South America (Columbia and Brazil- ~7%) than it is here in the US. The consensus was that when you are aggressive with high volume fat injection and inject into all layers of the gluteus muscle along with the fat, there is an increased risk of a fat embolism. This happens when the deep layer of the muscle is injected because this is where the blood vessels are. Because of this article, it is less common here is the US to inject into the deep layer of the muscle. This means that less fat volume is injected and therefore the results are not as dramatic as they used to be.

Hello and thank you for your question.  There is a risk of fat embolism with BBL, but there are several strategies to help minimize this risk:1) Go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with expertise in advanced body contouring techniques2) Knowing your anatomy and not injecting near the gluteal veins3) Using large bore blunt cannulas to decrease your chances of inadvertently cannulating vessels that can embolize (also helps decrease trauma to the fat and thus allow for better fat survival percentages)4) Not injecting a large bolus in one area and continuously moving the cannula5) Using top of the line equipment6) Operating at a hospital where board certified anesthesiologists are giving you anesthesia and emergency personnel are available should an untoward event occurThe above list is not all inclusive but is a good start.  I hope this helps and good luck!Sincerely,Dr. Sean Kelishadi